27 Mar 2025 Shuklaphanta National Park, Nepal, Indian Sub-continent Birds | Communities | Habitats
The Bengal Florican is a critically endangered bird species of the grassland ecosystem with a national population of less than 100 individuals. However, there is a lack of scientific research regarding its population status and habitat use. This research intends to address critical information gaps and establish updated information on the species to inform park authorities for developing Bengal Florican conservation strategies. Furthermore, conservation awareness programs will be conducted to enhance community and school students' understanding of the ecological significance and conservation status of the Bengal Florican in ShNP, which can lead to fostering a sense of responsibility towards Bengal Florican conservation.
Developing conservation solutions for the dwindling population of Bengal Florican is hampered by a lack of understanding of the species’ population status and habitat use. No rigorous awareness campaigns have been made to date which aim to amplify people’s awareness of the conservation status of Bengal Florican and its ecological importance in the study site. This lack of information has presented considerable challenges in developing conservation policies aimed at conserving Bengal Florican in ShNP. Hence, this research seeks to provide updated information regarding the species’ population status and habitat use. Additionally, as part of community awareness programs, local community people and school students will be made aware of the ecological importance of this species.
This project will be carried out in Shuklaphanta National Park (ShNP), which is located in a lowland area of far western Nepal in Kanchanpur district. To meet the designed objectives of the project, a preliminary survey will be conducted, followed by a population status survey, habitat survey, community awareness activities, and school teaching programs.
This proposed research will provide updated information on the present population status, which will help future researchers to carry out more in-depth research and conservation work related to analysing the trend of the Bengal Florican population in the near future. This research will further serve as baseline data by providing science-driven information on habitat use for future research, action plan preparation, and implementation. Knowledge and awareness among local community people and students about the Bengal Florican will be enhanced after the conservation awareness programs, which will help to initiate better conservation initiatives. The project’s findings will help inform conservation authorities and policymakers in developing site-based action plans aimed at conserving the Bengal Florican in ShNP.